Salamba Sarvangasana - Supported Shoulderstand

The name comes from the Sanskrit words Salamba meaning "supported",Sarva meaning "all" or "every", Anga meaning "limb" or "bodypart",and Asana meaning "posture".Thus Salamba Sarvangasana literally translates to "supported-all-limbs-pose".Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) is known as the Mother of yoga postures.The Mother creates happiness and health in the home—likewise,this posture creates happiness and health in the body.

Benefits : Inverted poses are extremely important because they reverse the action of gravity on the body and get the blood and lymph flowing in opposite directions.Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depressionStimulates the thyroid and prostate glands and abdominal organsStretches the shoulders and neckTones the legs and buttocksImproves digestionHelps relieve the symptoms of menopauseReduces fatigue and alleviates insomniaTherapeutic for asthma, infertility, and sinusitis

Don't take up the practice of Sarvangasana after you become pregnant.

Note: For some beginners it may be difficult to raise the legs straight. If so then one can bend the knees a little while taking the position and then straighten out the legs. Some can take help of the wall to raise the legs.

Avoid doing this asana. Read this section carefully before you do it.

Neck or back problemsHeavy period of menstruationHigh blood pressureEye or inner ear infectionPregnancyDiarrheaSalamba Sarvagasana is considered an intermediate to advanced posture. If you are new to Yoga, we recommend you start with the beginner variations suggested at the end and then gradually work your way towards the full variation.

How to do this asana:

Lie down with your back.Exhale and while inhaling, contract the abdomen and slowly raise both the legs to a 90 degree angle from the floor.Exhaling raise the waist and the hips from the floor and take the legs backwards over the head.Inhaling raise the back and the legs up into a vertical position,placing the hands on the upper back for support.The chin should rest against the chest,creating the chin lock.Fix the eyesight on the toes and maintaining the asana,continue normal breathing.

Step 1: Lie down on your back with your arms on the floor, palms down.

Step 2: Exhale and while inhaling, contract the abdomen and slowly raise both the legs to a 90 degree angle from the floor.